Professional • Insight Industry insight:
Working from home
Laura Marino, founder of design practice Studio L, London, shares her tips for creating the perfect work-from-home space
Industry insight: Saving endangered crafts
Alberto Cavalli, executive co-director of the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship, writes passionately about the foundation’s mission to raise worldwide awareness of traditional crafts
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RARE, UNIQUE, SINGULAR: words that describe something that seldom occurs and carries with it a mark of distinction. Something rare is valuable, diffi cult to fi nd. And what is less visible is also more fragile. This is the case for some artisanal skills that run the risk of extinction or oblivion, not because they are outdated, but because they are not on the radar of a superfi cial and hurried society. Applied to the quality of a person, an extraordinary natural phenomena, or unique human creations, the concept of rarity, uniqueness and singularity incorporates an element of desirability, an aura of preciousness, even a shade of mystery.
So we have a paradox. On one side, what is rare is also more inclined to disappear, as the law of big numbers plays against it. But at the same time, what is rare and perhaps endangered evokes in us a sense of awe, protection, and desirability that might turn a disadvantaged position into a privileged observation point to study, and then to act, to make sure rare does not become extinct. For this reason, the Michelangelo Foundation has decided to join forces with the Heritage Crafts Association to expand the concept underpinning the “Red List of Endangered Crafts” to a European level.
Acknowledging the value of what the British association, lead by Patricia Lovett MBE, has achieved, the Michelangelo Foundation has invested in a new and collaborative project, Shared with the members of its European network, its purpose is to raise awareness about crafts that are so rare they have become endangered and act to safeguard them in a culturally conscious and creative manner.
The partnership has already resulted in three short movies, produced by Swiss director Thibault Vallotton, which were presented at the last edition of London trade fair Collect. They were dedicated to three very singular talents already present in the HCA’s Red List: collar and harness maker Kate Hetherington and orrery makers Derek and Timothy Staines, as well as reverse glass sign maker David Adrian Smith.
The partnership’s progress will lead to a pan-European Red List, as well as to a selection of 12 fi lms to be realised in 12 different European countries. Twelve thoughtfully selected artisans, whose crafts are endangered will be presented in a series of dynamic and emotional portraits that will reveal their personalities, territories and workshops as well as the people and places they hold dear. These singular, endangered talents remind us that it is possible to transform a passion into a profession. They are the proof that being unique is not a stigma but a blessing. They connect us to territories, stories and knowledge that are not necessarily part of our everyday lives, but have the power to surprise us and give us hope. Hope in a world where human hands will always be able to bestow the most valuable and rare gift of all - the generous touch of love.
michelangelofoundation.org
WORKING FROM HOME takes discipline. It is easy to lose focus and commitment. It is also easy to overwork yourself because you are comfortable and get into a groove – and before you know it, it’s 11pm. Therefore, creating a space that is purely for work is essential, especially now, more than ever. Light: Once your area has been Marie Kondo-d, be sure you have a great lamp you love looking at that adds character and necessary task illumination. Life: Add a plant (or two). Pay attention to the direction your offi ce faces and what kind of maintenance that the plant will require. Websites like Flowerbx and Patch are good for delivering affordable, mature plants for that instant green and toxin absorption.
Smell: Find your scent and infuse your offi ce with it. I always have a candle burning in my offi ce. For me, it’s incredibly soothing. Two of my favourite scents in the chilly months are Feu de Bois by Diptyque and Koto by Skandinavisk. In warm months, they are Foin Coupe by Diptyque and Fig Tree by Geodesis. Sound: I look forward to Mondays, because that’s when Spotify has my new Discover Weekly playlist. It is usually spot on with my tastes. I listen to it all week to give myself time to digest and make sure I ‘like’ songs along the way for each subsequent playlist to become more identifi ably made to my tastes. I also have some favourite albums that soothe and help me concentrate. The latest is Utopia by Bremer and Mccoy.
Look: Amazon has some cute items from Jonathan Adler Now House – and check high street stores like Anthropologie, Urban Outfi tters and Zara for cute trinket trays, lovely baskets for rubbish or storage and other inspiration to make your offi ce all you. Cleanliness & Organisation: Clean and tidy! Sanitise your desk, keyboard and mouse daily. Get rid of extraneous items you don’t need and never use, such as business card build-up. We unquestionably won’t be exchanging them for the foreseeable future. Comfort: My design library in London has items that have sentimental meaning to me and I’ve surrounded the room with photos of my loved ones. It makes me feel more connected, because I live abroad, and helps ground me when I feel homesick or apprehensive. During self-isolation, I think it was more important than ever to take the time to curate your space this way. For example, I have a poem I read at my dad’s eulogy because it always reminded me of him. I have a massive piece of art that my husband surprised me with and I have tons of photos in frames featuring all the people I love. Tactileness: If it suits, get an area rug to anchor your workspace. If it doesn’t suit, get a lovely throw blanket and use it! Drape it over your shoulders or lap while you work. Fold and drape over your chair when not in
use. It’s that extra element of Hygge that is oh so comforting. If you have windows, get window treatments to add extra depth and warmth. Just make sure you genuinely love everything you choose.
studiollondon.com
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